Quick and easy Irish apple pie made with ready-made crust, fresh apples, and warm spices. Optional raisins and a splash of whiskey add extra flavor. A simple dessert for St. Patrick's Day or any time you want an easy apple pie.
I like making this Irish apple pie when I want something simple and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. I call it Irish when I make it around this time of year and add a bit of whiskey and some raisins for extra flavor. Otherwise, it's a regular, simple, and delicious apple pie.
I use ready-made pie crust, so the whole thing is quick to put together. The filling is just apples, sugar, and a few warm spices. If you like this, try my Irish Coffee Cake or the Apple Rhubarb Cake; they are perfect for the season.
Prep Time:ย 20 minutes |ย Cook Time:ย 35 minutes |ย Ingredients:ย 11ย |ย Servings:ย 6 |ย Difficulty:ย Easy
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Recipe ingredients
Apples: I like using firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn; they hold their shape while baking. Softer apples, like Golden Delicious, work too, but the filling can turn a bit mushy. Try this delicious Apple and Cherry Crumble too. Or make some Apple Streusel Muffins.
Pastry: You can use pre-rolled pie crusts for a fast and easy version. One standard pack with two crusts works perfectly for a bottom and top. Of course, homemade pastry works too.
Whiskey or other alcohol: A splash of Irish whiskey adds warmth and aroma, but it's optional. Warm water works fine, or you can swap it for another liquor like rum, brandy, or amaretto.
Raisins or sultanas and a tiny pinch of cloves. Both are optional - the pie is delicious even without them. Make this delicious Banana Raisin Bread next.
See the recipe card for the full recipe and ingredient quantities.
How to make Irish apple cake?
Preparations: Soak the raisins in whiskey or warm water while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
Step #1: Unroll a sheet of pre-rolled crust into the pie dish, press it gently into the bottom and sides, and trim any excess.
Step #2: Mix the peeled and chopped apples with the raisins, sugar, spices, and cornstarch.
Step #3: Fill the crust with the apple mixture.
Step #4: Place the second crust over the filling, trim edges to 2 cm, fold under, and press to seal. Crimp with fingers or a fork and cut some slits.
Step #5: Brush the crust with the egg and milk mixture.
Step #6: Bake the Irish apple pie for 35 minutes or until golden. Cover it with foil after 25 minutes if it gets too dark.
Tips
Prevent the crust from shrinking: Chill the bottom crust in the pan for 10 minutes before filling. This helps it keep its shape during baking.
Even baking: If the crust edges brown too quickly, use aluminum foil after about 25 minutes.
Let the pie rest for 15-20 minutes after baking. The apples absorb the juices, and the flavors meld nicely.
Make ahead: You can assemble the pie the night before, cover it tightly, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.
Add a small handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Storage
Room temperature: Cover loosely with foil or a pie dome and eat within 1-2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
You can freeze this pie either before or after baking.
- For unbaked, assemble it, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2-3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- For baked, let it cool completely, wrap, and freeze up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm slices in the oven before serving - flavor stays, though the crust may be slightly less crisp.
Serving suggestions
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, vanilla sauce, or custard for a classic dessert.
Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, brunch, or any cozy afternoon treat.
More desserts you'll like
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๐ Recipe
Easy Irish Apple Pie
Equipment
- Pie dish or springform 8 inches/ 20 cm
- Small bowl
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pack pre-rolled pie crusts Note 1
- 2 tablespoons raisins or sultanas
- 2 tablespoons whiskey or warm water, Note 2
- 4 tart apples a total of about 20 oz/ 550-600 g, Note 3
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- tiny pinch of cloves optional, but nice
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 small egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 ยฐF/ 200ยฐC.
- Soak the raisins: Place them in a small bowl and mix them with the whiskey. Let them soak for about 10 minutes or the time it takes you to prepare the rest.2 tablespoons raisins + 2 tablespoons whiskey
- Line the pie dish: Unroll one sheet of the pre-rolled pie crust and gently place it into the pie dish. Press the dough lightly against the bottom and sides of the dish, making sure it fits into the edges without stretching it. Trim the excess dough along the rim of the dish so the crust fits neatly inside.1 pack pre-rolled pie crusts
- Make the filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. Place them in the large bowl, and mix them with the soaked raisins, cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar, and cornstarch.4 tart apples + 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 2 tablespoons brown sugar + 1 tablespoon cornstarch + tiny pinch of cloves
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture and scatter the teaspoon of butter, cut into small pieces, over the apples.1 teaspoon butter
- Unroll the second crust and place it over the filling. Trim the overhanging dough from both crusts, leaving about 2 cm (ยพ inch) around the edge. Fold the edges under and press them together to seal. Crimp the edge with your fingers or a fork.
- Cut 3-4 small slits in the top crust so steam can escape during baking.
- Egg wash: Beat the egg and milk in a small bowl (you can use the bowl used for soaking the raisins). Brush the mixture over the top crust.1 small egg + 1 tablespoon milk
- Bake the Irish apple pie for about 35 minutes. Check after 25 minutes. If the crust becomes too dark, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking for the remaining 10 minutes, until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Notes
- Pie crust: Use one pack of pre-rolled pie crusts containing two crusts, one for the bottom and one for the top. Homemade pastry works just as well.
- Whiskey: Whiskey adds a nice flavor, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, warm water works just fine. You can also replace it with another type of alcohol, such as rum, brandy, or amaretto.
- Apples: I use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn; they hold their shape while baking.
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